24 Amazing Things to Do in Rockhampton
Rockhampton, nestled on the Tropic of Capricorn in sunny Queensland, Australia, is a gem waiting to be discovered. Known as the beef capital of Queensland and the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef and the Capricorn Coast, the city blends outdoor adventures, rich cultural heritage, and modern attractions.
Driving up the coast of Queensland, Rockhampton was one of our favorite stops along Australia’s eastern seaboard for “city life.” The city and surrounding area of Rockhampton pack a lot of punch with loads to keep you busy, whether you are just passing through or planning to stay for a few days.
This list of the best things to do in Rockhampton covers it all, hiking and outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, nightlife activities, beaches, and more.
Is Rockhampton worth visiting?
We think so.
Today, Rockhampton isn’t just a stopover; it’s a destination. Rockhampton’s things to do are diverse and plenty, from great outdoor activities such as the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens and Mount Archer National Park on the city’s doorstep to cultural experiences like the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, providing a glimpse into the indigenous culture in the area and, even, a couple of great cafes and a great craft brewery. And that is just the beginning, with plenty of great day trips from Rockhampton.
So before you set off to explore the Capricorn Coast, be sure to pull a bar stool up at a local pub for a steak and then get out and explore Rocky with our list of the best things to do in Rockhampton!
Free Things to Do in Rockhampton
Some of the best things in life are free, so let’s start this list of the best things to do in Rockhampton with the ones that aren’t going to cost you a thing but will be enjoyable nonetheless!
1. Pop into the Rockhampton Museum of Art
The Rockhampton Museum of Art has been around since the 1960s and is Queensland’s largest regional art museum. The museum is home to an impressive permanent collection of more than 3,000 pieces, focusing on mid-twentieth-century Australian and First Nations art. In addition to its permanent collection, the Rockhampton Museum of Art regularly hosts exhibitions that are both nationally and internationally recognized.
The Rockhampton Museum of Art is a great place to while away the day, especially if it rains.
Useful Information
- Address: 62 Victoria Parade, Rockhampton QLD 4700
- Hours of Operation: Daily from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Cost: Free
2. Stroll Along the Rockhampton Riverside Walk
One of the pride and joys of regional towns throughout Australia is the city’s riverbank. As an American, it is amazing to see city councils throughout Australia investing in protecting and maintaining their coastlines and riverbanks, and it is no exception in Rockhampton.
The Rockhampton Riverside Walk is the perfect way to spend an evening as the sun sets, enjoying the beautiful Fitzroy River. The play area at the end of the walk looks especially fun for children.
3. Head Outdoors to the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens
Another great way to spend a morning or afternoon is at the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens. This sprawling parkland features an incredible array of trees and plants, including enormous hoop pines and strangler figs over 150 years old!
The park is massive, and the gardens have many different areas to explore. Meander along the pathway by the lagoon, visit the rare fruit tree orchard, walk through the Hugo Lassen Fernery, grab a coffee from the kiosk and sit under and amongst the massive Banyan Fig tree, or find solace in the Japanese Garden. With so many different things to see, there is something for everyone at the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens.
Useful Information
- Address: 100 Spencer St, West Rockhampton QLD 4700
- Hours of Operation: Daily from 6:00 am – 6:30 pm
- Cost: Free
4. Explore the Rockhampton Zoo
Located inside the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens is also the Rockhampton Zoo. The zoo is absolutely free and is home to over 100 different animals from across Australia and beyond.
Animals like the cassowary which we tried desperately to see out in the wild during our road trip to Far North Queensland. If it weren’t for the Rockhampton Zoo, I would not have had the opportunity to see this majestic bird!
If you have little ones in tow, the Rockhampton Zoo is also a great place to engage them in experiences such as the Meerkat Encounters. Plus, it is a great excuse to relive your childhood and obsession with Timon from The Lion King (or perhaps that is just me)!
Useful Information
- Address: 100 Spencer St, West Rockhampton QLD 4700
- Hours of Operation: Daily from 9:00 am – 4:15 pm
- Cost: Free
5. Watch the Sunset from Fraser Park Lookout
One of my favorite views of a city is the view from above, so grab your hiking shoes and head up to Fraser Park Lookout on Mount Archer. Mount Archer is the absolute best place in the city to enjoy the sunset over Rocky.
The Fraser Park Lookout is located on the Nurim circuit elevated boardwalk. This 500-meter circuit is quick and easy and offers stunning views over Rockhampton. The Nurim circuit elevated boardwalk is also wheelchair accessible.
Useful Information
- Address: Pilbeam Dr, Mount Archer QLD 4701
- Hours of Operation: 24 Hours (Camping and overnight stays not allowed)
- Cost: Free
6. Explore the CBD Heritage with a Self-Guided Tour of Quay Street
The Rockhampton Regional Council has developed a unique self-guided walking tour of the historic downtown of Rockhampton.
This self-guided tour covers 15 locations in downtown Rockhampton and provides you with a brief history of the buildings. Examples include the listed Criterion Hotel, the Old Fitzroy Bridge, and the Cattle House. It is a great way to get your legs moving and find out a little bit more about the history behind the town.
You can download the pamphlet to your phone or stop by the visitor information center for a hard copy.
7. Go Bull Hunting
You won’t need your red cape for this one, but heading off on your very own Rockhampton Bull Tour is easily one of the quirkiest things to do in Rockhampton.
As the beef capital of Australia, Rocky has carefully constructed and placed bull statues throughout the city. The Rockhampton bull statues represent the area’s six main cattle breeds.
Part of the fun is searching for the bulls placed throughout the city. Head out on an afternoon of exploring on your own Rockhampton Bull Tour. The team from Explore Rockhampton has even put together an informational Rockhampton Bull Tour explaining a little bit about the different types of bulls and how each statue came to be.
Just remember, no cheating, and no looking online to find where they are all located! Do you think you can find them all in Rocky without any help?!
Other Great things to do in Rockhampton
Still looking for what to do in Rockhampton? Luckily, we are just getting started.
8. Immerse Yourself in Culture at the Dreamtime Cultural Center
One of the best things to do in Rockhampton is to learn about the indigenous culture of the Aboriginals and the Torres Straight islanders at the Dreamtime Cultural Center. The Dreamtime Cultural Center is an amazing educational experience for all ages.
When you visit, you can choose to explore the center at your own pace with one of the self-guided tours or on a guided tour. The self-guided tours include The Vanishing Culture of the Sandstone Belt, which recreates the sandstone caves and way of life of the Aboriginals from the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt, and the Native Plant Tour, which guides visitors through the different plants and how the Aboriginals and Torres Straight Islanders used these plants in their daily lives.
The guided tours include a didgeridoo tour, a Torres Straight Islander Village tour, and a boomerang tour. The guided tours are available at 1:30 am and 1:00 pm Monday to Friday and are included in the entrance ticket price.
Useful Information
- Address: 703-751 Yaamba Rd, Parkhurst QLD 4700, Australia
- Hours of Operation: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday
- Cost: $16 per adult, $8 per child
9. Dine on a Delicious Steak Dinner (It’s obligatory!)
No trip to Rockhampton is complete without eating beef (sorry veggos!). Seriously, it is on every list as one of the best things to do in Rockhampton. And being the nation’s beef capital, there is no wonder why. Locals consider it a right of passage while visiting Rockhampton.
While there are plenty of pubs and hotels serving up steak, our favorite is the Criterion Hotel. This iconic hotel located on the Fitzroy River was ahead of its time in 1890 and continues to win patrons over year after year. Join the locals and dine on delicious pub steak at the Criterion Hotel while in Rocky. With the “popular” steak being a measly 500 g, you won’t be leaving Rocky hungry.
10. Make Grocery Shopping an Outing
One of our favorite things to do when we travel is to visit the local farmers’ market and fruit and veg stands. Usually stocked with the freshest produce and the friendliest people, we make “going grocery shopping” an activity. And while it might not sound like one of the best things to do in Rockhampton, you may be pleasantly surprised!
Doblo’s Farmers Market
In Rockhampton, you can visit Doblo’s Farmers Market EVERY DAY! No need to wait until Saturday or Sunday for the local pop-up market. These guys are doing it daily and doing it right. So drop in for some of the freshest fruit and veg in town.
Useful Information
- Address: 6 Goodsall St, The Common QLD 4701, Australia
- Hours of Operation: 4:00 am – 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday and 4:00 am – 2:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday
MMM Avocado and Mangos
If you plan to check out Bouldercombe, then make sure to visit MMM Avocado and Mangos on your way into Rockhampton. With only a simple honesty box (which I think is unheard of in the US), you can pick up the avos and mangos right from the farm! Breakfast is starting to sound a little bit better, right?
Useful Information
- Address: 106 McEvoy Rd, Kabra, QLD, Australia 4702
- Hours of Operation: Honesty box open all day
11. Grab Coffee One of the Trendy Cafes in Rockhampton
No list is complete without a Flat White in Australia. Surprisingly, there are a number of fantastic cafes in Rockhampton. And, in Rockhampton, no one does one better than the Coffee Society! Located on the main street in Rocky, Coffee Society is the place to go to for coffee, breakfast, or lunch. Fantastic coffee, mouthwatering food, and good prices.
Useful Information
- Address: 126 East St, Rockhampton QLD 4700
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday from 5:30 am – 2:30 pm and Saturday – Sunday from 6:00 am – 2:30 pm
12. Enjoy a Meal and Craft Beer at Headricks Lane
One of Rockhampton’s only trendy restaurants, Headricks Lane is a must for foodie travelers. A perfectly curated menu will satisfy all of your cravings, from DIY pork spring rolls to braised osso bucco! And don’t forget to try one of the local brews from their microbrewery. Headricks Lane specializes in ales, from pale ales to session ales to kolsch ales, but they are always looking to expand their range, so make sure to stop by for the most up-to-date brewing list!
Headricks Lane is open Tuesday to Saturday from 5:00 pm.
Useful Information
- Address: 189 East St, Rockhampton QLD 4700
- Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday from 5:00 pm
13. Get Festive at a Festival in Rockhampton
The busy town of Rockhampton is loaded with great arts and cultural activities throughout the year. Popular events include the Rockhampton River Festival and the Capricorn Wine and Food Festival.
The Rockhampton River Festival is generally held in September each year and is a free festival featuring arts, music, and over 100 market and food stalls.
The Capricorn Wine and Food Festival holds four events per year that showcase local restaurants and food in the region on the banks of the Fitzroy River.
For more Rockhampton events, make sure to visit the Rockhampton Regional Council Community Events Board.
14. Catch a Show at the Pilbeam Theatre
If you are looking for a night out on the town in Rocky, the Pilbeam Theatre may just be it. The Pilbeam Theatre is a local arts community, regularly hosting nationally and internationally touring shows and local community events.
There is almost always something happening at the Pilbeam Theatre, so make sure to check the schedule before you visit.
Other Things to Do Around Rockhampton
Ok, so we have already covered a lot of ground on the best things to do in Rockhampton, but we are only getting started. The area surrounding Rockhampton is diverse, with plenty of day trips, and you could easily spend more than a week exploring everything there is to do.
From the idyllic beaches near Rockhampton to the beautiful national parks and, of course, the Great Barrier Reef, there are no shortcomings of things to do around Rockhampton. So, let’s dive into the best day trips from Rockhampton.
15. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef at Great Keppel Island
Great Keppel Island is easily one of the most well-known attractions around Rockhampton. Only a 45-minute ferry ride off mainland Australia, Great Keppel Island offers a great chance to sneak a peek at the majestic Great Barrier Reef, if even only for the day.
Once on the island, there is an immense amount of things to do! The most popular, of course, is getting out on the Great Barrier Reef. Great Keppel Island has an extensive coral reef waiting to be explored, and there are many fantastic snorkeling and diving spots located on the island.
There are also some pretty great beaches as well if you prefer to keep things dry. Our favorite is Monkey Beach! Keen surfers will find their fun at Wreck Beach and Red Beach on the other side of the island from the accommodations and restaurants.
The island’s walking trails take you past stunning lookouts and picturesque bays to secluded coves. There are six bushwalking trails, ranging from a 2.6-km return trail along the Lookout Trail to the 15.4-km hike to the Lighthouse. These simple, scenic paths are a great way to reconnect with nature and perhaps even some unexpected wildlife encounters.
Great Keppel Island is a great day trip from Rockhampton, whether you want to lounge around on the beach or get active. The abundant nature and breathtaking beauty will surely impress all travelers.
16. Relax at Yeppoon Beach
If you can’t stomach the ferry ticket to reach Great Keppel Island, the mainland beaches near Rockhampton are also pretty great. The closest beach is Yeppoon, a popular tourist destination on the Capricorn Coast. The drive from Rockhampton to Yeppoon is only 45 kilometers making it close enough for a day trip although there is plenty to see and do along the Rockhampton coastline, and one could easily spend a weekend or longer at one of the Rockhampton beaches.
Yeppoon Main Beach is a stretch of stunning white sand in front of the town with lovely views over Great Keppel Island. Walk along the esplanade, enjoying these picturesque views or head down to the Yeppoon Lagoon (aka swimming pool) to cool down and escape the hot Queensland sun.
While you’re here, don’t miss some of the great cafes and bars in Yeppoon, in fact, some of the best in the area. Yeppoon offers relaxed seaside dining at its finest. Easily the best place to eat on the Capricorn Coast, Yeppoon’s James Street is packed with delicious restaurants. Head to Flour for your morning coffee and brekky or Vue Wine Bar for lunch or dinner!
If you are visiting Yeppoon on a weekend, the Yeppoon Community Markets are held each Saturday morning from 6:00 am to 10:00 am at the Yeppoon Showgrounds and are worth dropping in on.
17. Go Underground at the Capricorn Caves
Second to Great Keppel Island, the Capricorn Caves are probably the most visited attraction along the Capricorn Coast and one of the best things to do in Rockhampton. The limestone caves formed millions of years ago are, in one word, impressive.
The only way to see the Capricorn Caves is by arranging a tour. There are three different tour options to see these ancient caves. On the Cathedral Cave tour, you will experience the sound quality with a short musical performance and learn about how the caves were formed millions of years ago. The tour only lasted about 30 minutes.
Other tours of the Capricorn Caves include the Capricorn Caves Adventurer, a 2-hour tour that sees you scrambling, ducking, crawling, and more throughout the Capricorn Caves, and the Capricorn Caves Explorer, which is similar to the Capricorn Caves Adventurer but takes you to some of the more challenging and lesser explored caves.
18. Put Your Walking Shoes on for Capricorn Coast National Park
If you are headed out to the Rockhampton beaches, consider visiting the Capricorn Coast National Park, a series of reserves stretching along and throughout the coastline. Although there are technically six reserves, only four are accessible and are a great way to explore the Capricorn Coast. The most popular sections of Capricorn Coast National Park are Double Head and Bluff Point.
The Double Head section flanks Rosslyn Bay Harbor to the right on the headland. This rocky headland is home to Pebble Beach, Rosslyn Lookout, and Fan Rock Lookout. Gaze out to sea at each of these lookouts onto the famous Great Keppel Island and the stunning blue waters for which Queensland is known.
The Bluff Point section is a great day-use area and one of Yeppoon’s best things to do. The Bluff Point Walking Track is a 2.3-kilometer walking track featuring mangroves, eucalyptus trees, and more. Make sure you take time to stop at Summit Lookout for spectacular views over Great Keppel Island and Turtle Lookout and for your chance to see sea turtles!
19. Become a History Buff at Emu Park
Emu Park is another beach on the Rockhampton coastline. It is perfect for those who like long walks to the beach and is a bit quieter than nearby Yeppoon.
If you are interested in World War I history, the Centenary of ANZAC Memorial Walk thoughtfully honors the heroes of World War I and combines history with stunning coastal views.
Emu Park is also home to the Singing Ship, a sculpture paying homage to the area’s historical explorations, particularly Captain Cook’s discovery of Emu Park and Keppel Bay in 1770. The Signing Ship is designed to produce enchanting musical sounds with the ocean breeze.
Useful Information
- Address: Tennent Memorial Drive, Emu Park QLD 4710
- Cost: Free
20. Spot the Whale at Kinka Beach
Another quirky thing to do around Rockhampton, especially if you have children, is to visit Kinka Beach for a photo of the large Whale Statue, one of the many “Big Things in Australia.”
Useful Information
- Address: 37 Bauhinia Rd, Kinka Beach QLD 4703
- Cost: Free
21. Pretend You’re a Local at Nearby Bouldercombe
Set in the hinterland of Livingstone Shire is the small, and I mean a very small, community of Bouldercombe, approximately 20 minutes southwest of Rocky. The locals of Bouldercombe support the caravanning and camping lifestyle for which Australia is known. They offer a donation-based campground with free toilets and gold-coin hot showers. While there may not be much to offer around Bouldercombe, the farmlands are beautiful, and the ability to camp regardless of your vehicle (or tent) is a HUGE bonus. Make sure to be respectful of the grounds and clean up after yourself so this place can stay free and open to fellow travelers!
Nearby a short hike takes you to the Bouldercombe Gorge, but watch out for the disused mine shaft.
22. Check Out Stoney Creek in Byfield State Forest
Stoney Creek, located in Byfield State Forest, not to be confused with Byfield National Park (although I really don’t know the difference), is one of the best things to do in Rockhampton. This stunning water is set against lush vegetation, and the crystal clear water is inviting in the hot Queensland sun. Stoney Creek is the perfect place to unwind and relax after some “city life” in Rocky.
A handful of campsites are available at Stoney Creek, but it is best to book in advance as these spots fill up quickly. You’ll know the reason why when you visit!
PS. Look out for the freshwater turtle paddling about in this beautiful oasis. He is a real treat!
23. Relax in Bliss at Ferns Hideaway Resort in Byfield National Park
Tucked away in Byfield National Park is the serene Ferns Hideaway Resort. If you are looking to relax in nature, then a trip out to Byfield Mountain Retreat is a must. Nestled amongst the rainforest, these rustic cabins are picture-perfect for a weekend getaway. And with walking tracks, Stoney Creek, and 9-mile beach in Byfield National Park only a stone’s throw away, there is plenty to do.
Each room comes with a kitchen (sorry, no oven), a spa tub (hello, bubble bath), and a great outdoor space. You won’t find any internet access here at the Ferns Hideaway Resort, though. Come here to unwind, relax, and spend quality time.
Useful Information
- Address: 67 Cahills Rd, Byfield QLD 4703
- Cost: $170 AUD per night
24. Get Off the Grid at Stanage Bay
If you like getting off the beaten path and being off-grid, Stanage Bay is the place for you. Some 100 kilometers down a gravelly dirt road, you will find the resemblance of a small beach town. Known as a prime destination for camping and fishing, don’t come here expecting to find much. Just blue waters, white sand beaches, and stunning headlands. Basically, it’s all you could ever want and imagine from Queensland and definitely the best Rockhampton beach.
Where to Stay in Rockhampton
Denison Boutique Hotel
Declared a heritage-listed building by the Queensland Heritage Registry in 2005, no trip to Rocky is complete without a stay at the Denison Boutique Hotel. The building was originally the home of the railway administration for Central and North Queensland. Today, the building welcomes hotel guests with modern amenities but retains the charm and character from an era bygone. Rooms start at $125 AUD a night and include breakfast.
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Criterion Hotel
The Criterion Hotel, located in downtown Rockhampton, offers both hotel and motel accommodations. The old building is absolutely beautiful, and the pub downstairs is a great, classic Australian pub. The rooms are well maintained and comfortable, making the Criterion Hotel a great stopover for a night or two in Rocky.
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CocoBrew Boutique Apartments
If you are looking for a bit more space as well as access to your own kitchen, then the CocoBrew Boutique Apartments are your best bet in Rockhampton. These modern apartments have everything you would want to make your stay enjoyable. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the staff are friendly, and the location is ideal and within walking distance to many of the attractions in Rockhampton.
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So what do you think? Is Rockhampton worth visiting?
There is more to Rocky than just cattle! An abundance of outdoor activities, stunning coastlines, and even a little bit of the Great Barrier Reef await you in this central Queensland town. So what are you waiting for? Let’s put this list of the best things to do in Rockhampton to use and start planning your trip today!
Do you like our list of the best things to do in Rockhampton? Is there a Rockhampton attraction we missed? Let us know in the comments below.
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